Robert Morris _ RESIST THE ENEMY
Robert Preston Morris (born July 29, 1961) is an American televangelist, author, and founding pastor of Gateway Church, a massive non‑denominational evangelical megachurch based in Southlake, Texas—part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex
New York Post
. Since its establishment in April 2000, Gateway grew to become one of the largest churches in the U.S., with tens of thousands attending weekend services
Morris served as senior pastor from the church's founding until June 2024. He also authored bestselling books like The Blessed Life, Dream to Destiny, and Grace, Period. His sermons aired worldwide: a radio program in over 6,800 cities and a TV show distributed across 190 countries
Early Life & Ministry Journey
Born and raised in Marshall, Texas (June 29, 1961); studied at East Texas Baptist College and Criswell Center for Biblical Studies
Began ministry in early 1980s as a youth evangelist in Texas and with the James Robison Evangelistic Association. He admitted struggling with immorality as a young
Married his wife Debbie since 1980; they have three children
In 2000, Robert and Debbie Morris launched Gateway Church with 30 initial members. Over two decades, it expanded to multiple campuses across North Texas with estimated weekly attendance in the tens of thousands
Robert Morris gained international recognition through preaching on the Holy Spirit, generosity, leadership, and grace. His ministry emphasized the Spirit’s personal presence in believers, stewardship, and the power of giving
His bestselling book, The Blessed Life, galvanized movements around tithing and generosity in Christian circles. Morris’s unique blend of charismatic preaching and practical theology built a reputation that attracted both national and global audiences
He was appointed to former President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board in 2016, and hosted Trump at Gateway in 2020 during a high-profile event
In June 2024, allegations surfaced publicly via the watchdog blog Wartburg Watch, followed by major news outlets, accusing Morris of sexually abusing a 12-year‑old girl (Cindy Clemishire) between 1982 and 1987. Morris was then in his early 20s and married and had one child
He admitted to what he described as “inappropriate sexual behavior” involving kissing and petting, but denied intercourse. Morris said he repented in 1987, stepped away from ministry for two years, and was counseled by church elders and the victim’s family. He returned to ministry in 1989 after the family reportedly forgave him
The Gateway Church Board of Elders accepted his resignation in mid-June 2024. They stated they had not known the full extent of the abuse before that date, believing it was an extramarital relationship with a “young lady,” not a minor
In March 2025, Morris was indicted in Oklahoma on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, which could carry up to 20 years per count or a possible minimum of 25 years if the victim was under 12
In June 2025, Cindy Clemishire and her father filed a $1 million lawsuit alleging abuse, cover-up, defamation, and emotional distress. They claim church leadership conspired to conceal the abuse to protect financial interests.
#RobertMorris #GatewayChurch #TheBlessedLife #ChristianScandal #Televangelist #EvangelicalNews #PastorResignation #ChildAbuseAllegations #Megachurch #ChurchLeadership #RobertMorris2025 #SpiritualAbuse
Информация по комментариям в разработке